Background to the Project
This research is part of ongoing efforts to promote the digital rights of Palestinian youth and key stakeholders in the Gaza Strip. It aims to advocate for restored digital access, counter digital repression, and mobilize international support for freedom of expression, access to information, and digital resilience.
The destruction of Gaza’s telecommunications infrastructure during the ongoing war has severely impacted digital rights and the region’s digital economy. This includes crippling online businesses, disrupting freelance livelihoods, collapsing access to digital financial services, and hindering e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship.
This paper will serve as an evidence-based advocacy tool to inform international stakeholders, donors, tech companies, and policymakers about the economic consequences of Gaza’s forced digital disconnection. It will also push for urgent action to restore connectivity and rebuild digital resilience.
Specific Objective
To assess the impact of the Israeli blockade and the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure on Gaza’s digital economy and economic resilience, with a focus on freelancers, online entrepreneurs, digital service providers, and youth-led initiatives.
Initial Research Questions
- How has the Israeli blockade and destruction of telecommunications infrastructure disrupted the digital economy in Gaza, particularly for freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, and small online businesses, before and after October 2023?
- What are the consequences for income generation, job retention, and economic mobility under conditions of siege and war?
- How has access to digital financial services, e-commerce platforms, and remote work been affected?
- What platforms (e.g., PayPal, Payoneer, UpWork, Fiverr, Deel, RemotePass) were used by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank before the war, and how were they impacted post-October 2023?
- How are young Gazan freelancers managing their livelihoods amid displacement and disconnection?
- What organizations or initiatives are supporting Gazans in accessing remote work or rebuilding digital economic pathways?
- How are displaced Gazans, including those who relocated to neighboring countries like Egypt, sustaining digital livelihoods in new contexts?
- What roles are international NGOs, donors, UN agencies, and civil society actors playing in supporting Gaza’s digital economy post-disconnection?
- What are the broader implications for digital inclusion, economic justice, and resilience in Gaza?
- What practical, rights-based, and locally driven recommendations can support the recovery and restoration of Gaza’s digital economy?
Overall Framework of Analysis
The research will explore the intersection of digital rights and economic justice, emphasizing the right to livelihood, access to financial infrastructure, and youth digital empowerment. By combining lived experiences with economic data analysis, the study will advocate for prioritizing telecommunications restoration and digital economic recovery as integral parts of humanitarian and development agendas.
Expected Outputs
A policy paper (4,000–5,000 words) presenting qualitative and quantitative findings, supported by actionable recommendations. The final paper will serve as a standalone research product and a key advocacy resource for 7amleh and partners.
Methodology
- Mixed methods:
- Desk research on the digital economy in Gaza (pre- and post-October 2023)
- At least 30 qualitative interviews (freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, platform workers, civil society experts, telecom sector stakeholders)
- Economic data analysis (available datasets and sectoral studies)
- Mapping of available and unavailable digital payment platforms for Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory
- A survey with at least 150 respondents (freelancers, youth-led digital initiatives, displaced digital workers, online entrepreneurs)
Policy Paper Structure
- Executive Summary: Key findings and recommendations
- Background: Gaza’s telecommunications collapse and digital economy context
- Research Problem and Objectives: Scope and framing
- Discussion & Analysis: Data insights and interview findings
- Conclusion & Recommendations: Action points for stakeholders
Submission of Proposals
Interested researchers or research teams should submit a price offer/proposal, including:
- Brief background
- Relevant samples of previous work
- CV or organizational profile
Submit proposals by June 12, 2025, to: Jobs@7amleh.org
Subject line: “Gaza Digital Economy ToR”
For further details please see 7amleh’s website
